The Alameda County Fair is running this month in Pleasanton, CA. and the Drought Board, the homebrew club that runs the annual Alameda County Fair homebrewing contest have released the results:Best of Show: Nathan Smith, Mad Zymurgists, (from Oakland) for his Imperial IPA.Honorable Mention: Greg Robles (from Livermore) for his Schwartzbier (Black Lager).

I helped judge the finals. My tasting notes show Nathan’s Imperial IPA was indeed a beauty: It was a beautiful, clear copper color with a big hoppy nose. There was some sweetness and the follow was all aromatic hops with very little bitterness. I’d drink this baby anytime.

The runnerup, was right on the target for a black German-style beer: Quite dry and well balanced.

A couple of us argued for another honorable mention for the mead. It was nicely done, somewhat sweet like a mead should be, but a nice balance.